Mater Health backed down on Wednesday and said it had revised the document, after The Courier-Mail sent a copy of the safety alert, dated 25 March 2020, for verification.

"We recognise that this PPE advice caused some confusion and as a result the advice was revised on Thursday 26 March and Mater staff were provided with clinical guidelines and resources to guide staff in the effective use of PPE,'' a spokeswoman said.

"Mater is not currently asking staff to reuse masks.''

The spokeswoman refused to outline the new guidelines to The Courier-Mail but said they were "in line with current World Health Organisation standards and best practice''.

Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in QLD

The withdrawn March 25 document states that single use or reusable goggles and face masks "are NOT to be discarded''.

"Reuse conditions now apply,'' it says.

"Label face shield or goggles with permanent marker.

"Clean and disinfect using a disinfectant wipe after removal (then) store in a designated, paper bag labelled with the person's name.''

The directive says staff should "not compromise your own safety'' and should discard masks, gloves and gowns that are "visibly soiled, contaminated with blood or body fluids or damaged/faulty''.